Nature Strip Landscaping
Guidelines
1
1 Introduction
2 General Guidelines
Roadside access
Kerb
Property boundary
0.5
1.6
1.6
Ve
hic
le c
ross-o
ve
r / D
riv
ew
ay
Ve
hic
le c
ross-o
ve
r / D
riv
ew
ay
Planting areas Plant free areas
Pro
pe
rty
B
ou
nd
ary
Planting area1.6Kerb
Nature strip
Maximumplantheight0.3
0.5
Plant free areas
1.6
Layout example 2 : Kerb nature strip private property.
Nature strip area
0.52.0 max1.62.0 max1.6
Level area to cater for rubbish, green waste
and recycling collections
Street tree buffer zone.(2.0 from base of trunk)
Maximumexcavation
depth0.2
* All measurements shown are in metres.
These Guidelines have been developed to assist residents and Council
develop appropriate nature strip landscaping options. The Guidelines
should be read in conjunction with the Warrnambool City Council Nature
Strip Landscaping Policy. The Guidelines provide information and
certainty to the community over what landscape treatments are
preferred.
This document include images of landscaping generally in accordance with
these guidelines to provide an example of the kind of landscaping that will be
supported.
Nature Strips refer to the area of public land between a private property
boundary and the road kerb. The land is Council owned and controlled,
and are part of the road reserve.
Warrnambool City
Council relies on
the support of
residents to keep
their nature strips
neat and tidy and
to maintain an
attractive
aesthetic
The diagram at
right shows a
typical acceptable
layout.
2
3 Acceptable Alternatives
Council encourages residents to landscape their nature strips to beautify
the streetscape and to show pride in our neighbourhoods. A well-
designed and maintained nature strip garden is a great way for the
community to become more socially active and connected,
environmentally sustainable and attractive.
Any approved landscaping must be maintained by the resident and
must not hinder cars parking in the street, passengers exiting cars
next to kerb or pedestrians. The development of nature strips must
not cause harm to the natural or built environment.
Council will not support or approve the following treatments on nature
strips:
Any plants that are declared noxious weeds from the Agriculture
Victoria list.
3
Additional trees (specifically trees that do not match into the
existing street ‘theme’).
Synthetic Turf or equivalent synthetic materials.
Hard surfaces (concrete, pavers, asphalt, etc.).
Irrigation Systems - above ground.
Raised beds, rocks, star pickets, timer stakes or other trip hazards.
Compacted crushed rock to facilitate car parking.
Plantings that obscure pedestrian or vehicle/cyclists sight lines.
4
4 Realities of Nature Strip Gardens
Before deciding to landscape your nature strip residents should understand:
Soil on public land may be contaminated- Chemical residues in soils
are possible. A soil test is advised if there is any doubt of the soil’s
composition, especially if edible plants are to be planted.
Produce might be taken- The nature strip is public land and the
adjacent owner has no right to the produce. Sharing should be expected.
Neighbours may complain- Gardens may attract complaints but the
health and wellbeing, place-making, social connection benefits are
considered to outweigh these when nature strip landscaping complies
with the policy and these guidelines.
Gardens may be vandalised- It may be uncommon, but gardeners
should acknowledge this is possible in a public space such as your
nature strip.
Traffic can be dangerous- When gardening on the edge of the road,
caution must be taken.
Underground Services- As can happen with grassed nature strips, if
access to underground services is required the nature strip
landscaping/garden will be dug up and may not be replaced with like for
like treatment.
Hard Work and Maintenance is needed - When planting any garden,
labour and knowledge are required to develop and maintain it. Be
prepared to manage the responsibility.
5
5 Permit Application & Pre Application Checklist
A Road Reserve Works Permit is required to be submitted and approved
by Council before any works can take place (penalties apply). The
details of proposed works should be included in the application. The
Road Reserve Works Permit and associated fee are available on
Councils website.
Applying for a permit is important because it enables a review of the
proposed works to ensure they are safe for you and the rest of the
community. It also confirms, in writing, that you understand your
obligations outlined in these Guidelines.
Checklist before you apply:
Dial Before-you-Dig: Call 1100 or visit https://www.1100.com.au.
Public Safety:
plants must be within the planting zone to retain access.
toxic plants and substances must not be used.
thorny plants must not be used
Visibility for pedestrians, cyclists and cars should be considered in
your design, and retained at all times.
Maintenance: Consider who will look after the garden and how will
it the watering, pruning and harvesting be managed.
Appearance: a well maintained garden kept within the planting
zone is required.
Have you consulted with adjacent neighbours about the proposed
nature strip alterations?
Do the proposed alterations create any new hazards for the
public?
Do the proposed alterations complement and enhance the
streetscape character?
6
Do the proposed alterations restrict access to utility services,
garbage collection and are there adequate plant free zones for
pedestrian access?